Art inspiration

“Indiana 05 May 2007. Pizza and birthday cake shared with 15 family and friends.” Photo courtesy of Julie Green

In January 2000, artist Julie Green was working at the University of Oklahoma when she noticed an unusual menu in her morning paper.“Three fried chicken thighs, 10 or 15 shrimp, tater tots with ketchup, two slices of pecan pie, strawberry ice cream, honey and biscuits, and a Coke.”At the time, Oklahoma had the highest per capita execution rate in the country. And the morning after an execution, newspapers statewide would post death notices, detailing the inmate’s life and crimes, the time and manner of his or her death – and the final meal.